Agatha Christie's Seven Dials

Baby brother, we're running late. Come on.

Where is he?

- Can you see him? - Relax. He said he'd be here.

Excuse me, I think you've got something on your dress.

- -

- -

No further, please.

I'm afraid your appointment's gone to the bullring instead.

He won't be returning.

The envelope, please, unless you want to go the same way as your sister.

- You didn't have to kill her. - No.

But I must be allowed some pleasure in my job.

This is my life's work.

And we will make sure that your efforts aren't wasted.

Poor chap. The man was an absolute delight.

The cleverest of any of us.

And you find him shot like a dog.

Can I trust you, Jimmy?

The Thesiger name is unimpeachable, Bundle.

Come on, you know that.

What if Gerry and Ronny's deaths were connected

to their work at the Foreign Office?

If they had discovered something untoward going on there?

I don't know what to think.

At first, I thought Lady Coote had something to do with Gerry's death, but…

I don't see she can have anything to do with Ronny's.

And, Jimmy, listen,

Ronny's last words were that I must tell you "Seven Dials."

Seven what, sorry?

Dials.

Right.

- And what am I supposed to make of that? - I don't know.

But that's what he said. "Tell Jimmy Thesiger, 'Seven Dials.'"

You'd think a chap's dying words would be a bit clearer.

And why me?

It's not as if I'm one of his closest chums.

No, I've been thinking about that.

You really have been stewing in this, haven't you?

Do you have any information for Gerry's sister, Loraine?

Ma said you contacted the family to break the news.

I did.

Not the happiest of tasks.

Attractive girl, though. Pride myself we got on rather well.

Why do you ask?

I found a letter Gerry was writing to Loraine before he died,

but there was no address.

I see.

What say I facilitate a meeting? The three of us.

At my rooms.

I wouldn't mind an excuse to see her again.

Jimmy, you are incorrigible.

- I prefer "hopeless romantic." -

You will be careful with all this digging around, won't you, Bundle?

Can't have a target on your back.

Or mine, either,

for that matter.

Now,

who would you say is that man staring at us through the trees?

Him again.

You know him? He's been peering and scratching in his notebook.

Yes, he followed Ronny and I when we went to confront Lady Coote,

after which I found him having telephoned Scotland Yard.

Or one of them, perhaps. Or a criminal informant.

Either way, I intend to find out.

I shan't let him get away a second time.

- Don't forget Loraine. - Uh…

- -

Hmm? Oh!

- -

Huh.

Hmm.

Afternoon, madam.

Uh, miss, you can't go in there.

You're quite mistaken, Officer. I absolutely can.

See?

Well, now.

This is an honor.

Lady Eileen Brent.

I know who I am.

But who the devil are you?

And why have you been following me?

It's Battle. Superintendent Battle.

May I provide you with some refreshment?

Do you have gin?

I was more envisaging tea.

- It's far too early for tea. - Mmm.

How may I be of service?

You can tell me why you tried to evade my pursuit just now.

I'm not in the habit of being followed.

If there's any following to be done, I greatly prefer to be the one doing it.

And why were you watching me when I was last with Ronny Devereux?

Uh…

I had business in a vicinity

pursuant to the inquest into Mr. Gerald Wade's death.

Ah, would you...

Why are you interested in that?

Oh, I'm interested in a great many things, Lady Eileen.

Well, then, you ought to know that the inquest got it completely wrong.

Gerry did not need or take sleeping drafts.

And he certainly did not kill himself.

Yes, I... I took note of your statement.

Uh, he died in your bed, did he not?

He did, yes.

Yes. And you were also the person

who discovered the body of Mr. Ronald Devereux

subsequent to his having been shot?

I was.

Mmm.

- -

Are you somehow suggesting I'm implicated in their deaths?

I... I don't believe I used those words, Lady Eileen.

My interest lies solely in facts.

You'd be surprised how elusive they can be.

Tell me… there's been no mention of Ronny's death in the newspapers.

You have any idea why that is?

Uh, yes.

And are you at liberty to share?

I may have asked for a delay in reporting

in order to carry out my inquiries in a timely fashion.

Have you looked into any links between their deaths?

Questioned anyone at the Foreign Office?

Or the Cootes?

And what do you know about Seven Dials?

Y-You are aware, Lady Eileen,

that I am usually the person asking the questions in this office?

Then I hope you're enjoying this delightful turn of events.

Seven Dials?

Strictly speaking,

there is no such place as Seven Dials these days.

Most of it has been torn down and rebuilt.

It's still rather a low quarter. Why do you ask?

Gerry… mentioned it in this letter he was writing the night he died.

Please?

How long have you had this? Why was this not submitted to the inquest?

It felt personal. I didn't think it had a bearing.

Oh, I see.

Uh…

This reference to, uh, Seven Dials,

do you believe he was referring to the area

or the club in Hunstanton Street?

"Hunston" Street.

No, Hunstanton Street.

No, it's correctly pronounced…

- Never mind. - To which was he referring?

The area or the club?

It's unclear.

I should avoid both were I in your shoes. Would you mind if I kept this letter?

I would.

I would mind greatly.

Please don't misunderstand me, Superintendent.

It's all I have left of him.

- He was the best of men. - So I understand.

If you'll let me advise you, Lady Eileen...

I know what you're going to say.

You should return home, and leave all of this to the professionals.

Meaning I am an amateur?

You are an intelligent and perspicacious young woman, Lady Eileen,

but these are dangerous matters.

I have grasped that. I'm not a fool.

I don't for a moment believe that you are, no.

But please, stay away from the Foreign Office and the Cootes

and anything to do with Seven Dials.

This ground is treacherous. Hmm?

Mm.

You're going to do exactly the opposite of what I've just advised, aren't you?

I don't know why you'd think that.

Hmm.

Can't tell you how pleased I am to see you. An absolute treat.

So, how's everything? I don't know how you're keeping yourself together,

what with first poor Gerry and now poor Ronny.

For you to find him dying like that was

ghastly.

- Mmm. - Yes, I try not to think about it.

We plod on, don't we? Hmm.

Did Ronny say anything to you before he died?

"Anything" is, uh, rather a broad canvas, Bundle.

About Gerry?

All those infernal clocks?

He did not.

Absent friends.

- That's what I say. - Hmm.

Hmm. What do you know about The Seven Dials Club?